Shannon O'Donnell

Shannon O'Donnell is a storyteller sharing stories of the people, places, and communities that have touched her life in the course of her travels around the world. In 2013, National Geographic Traveler magazine named O'Donnell one of its Travelers of the Year.

Follow Shannon's story on her personal website, <a href="http://alittleadrift.com
"A Little Adrift, and on Twitter and Instagram @ShannonRTW.

When I left home to travel around the world, I was driven by a desire to give back to the communities I encountered along the way. It’s been five years, and I’m still going. Over time, I’ve grown more and more convinced that the most positive way travelers can ethically and sustainably discover the developing world is through DIY voluntourism.

About Intelligent Travel

National Geographic believes that to know the world is to change it. We're on the front lines of travel that illuminates, celebrates, and preserves irreplaceable places--and we're taking you along for the ride.